St. John the Baptist Church, Wonersh

Financial Situation – September 2007

 

Problem

Wonersh church is projected to have a financial deficit in 2007 of around £35,000, unless we take immediate action to increase our giving.

 

Why has this happened?

Costs are significantly higher than last year, for 3 main reasons:

  • The Parish share continues to rise faster than inflation – by 48% since 2001 to over £84,000 in 2007.  This is the amount paid to the diocese each year, and it is used principally to fund clergy stipends, pensions and housing, and also the central costs of training, Bishops and Archdeacons and diocesan staff.
  • The cost of Ministry has increased, with Liz and James joining the team, and the Youth and Children’s ministry has grown with Jon becoming the full-time youth worker and Nicky enjoying an increased role on the staff team. 
  • We plan to start the church redecoration this year, with a cost of over £20,000 for the Lady Chapel, followed by £80,000, or so, for the main body of the church in 2008.

But at the same time our income has reduced, as shown by the graph overleaf. Income in 2005 was increased by our “Come, Taste, See” appeal but did not result in a sustained increase in our regular giving.

What must we do?

If we are to maintain the current level of staffing, building maintenance, activities and youth work, we must do 2 things immediately:

  • Increase our level of Regular Giving.  To put our finances on a stronger basis we need to increase our annual level of giving by 18% vs. 2006, and by 25% over our current level in 2007.  Since projected expenditure next year will be even higher, we will also need to review our level of giving again early in 2008.  Since we only have 3-4 months left of this year, even that level of increase will not be enough to solve this years problem, and we also need to …
  • Make one-off donations to meet most of the projected deficit.

 

Please take action TODAY

  • Pray at this service or as you read this note, and then take action.
  • Consider whether you can increase your regular giving by Standing Order – please ask for a Standing Order form.
  • If you do not give by Standing Order, please consider it, as it ensures a regular income for the church and allows the church to reclaim tax
  • Consider whether you can make a donation to help us meet our commitments and continue the valuable work that St John the Baptist church does with adults and with the youth and children.  Cheques should be made payable to “Wonersh with Blackheath PCC” and give to Tony Pratt, John Metcalfe or the Vicar.

 

Thank you.                                                        John Metcalfe September 2007